Primitive Data Types in Java
Java provides eight primitive data types that serve as the building blocks for data manipulation. Each type has its unique characteristics and uses.
1. byte
- A byte is an 8-bit signed integer.
- Its range is from -128 to 127.
- It is useful for saving memory in large arrays, where memory savings are crucial.
2. short
- A short is a 16-bit signed integer.
- Its range is from -32,768 to 32,767.
- It is used when memory savings are needed and the range of the byte is insufficient.
3. int
- An int is a 32-bit signed integer.
- Its range is from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647.
- It is the default data type for integer values in Java.
4. long
- A long is a 64-bit signed integer.
- Its range is from -9,223,372,036,854,775,808 to 9,223,372,036,854,775,807.
- It is used when larger integer values are needed.
5. float
- A float is a single-precision 32-bit IEEE 754 floating point.
- It is used for saving memory in large arrays of floating-point numbers.
- It is effective for numerical calculations with decimal points.
6. double
- A double is a double-precision 64-bit IEEE 754 floating point.
- It provides higher precision than float.
- It is the default data type for decimal values in Java.
7. char
- A char is a single 16-bit Unicode character.
- It can represent any character, including letters and symbols.
- It is used for storing individual characters.
8. boolean
- A boolean holds one of two values: true or false.
- It is primarily used for conditional statements and flags.
- It helps in controlling the flow of execution in programs.